Methods and disinfecting covers for use in disinfecting resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supports

ABSTRACT

A disinfecting cover for use in disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support includes a thin barrier membrane drapable on top of the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient support, and a peripherally-extending edge terminating between the peripherally-extending side of the resilient support between the weight bearing upper surface and the bottom surface of the support. The thin barrier membrane comprises an anti-microbial disinfectant, and being non-fibrous, and impervious to the transfer of fluid from the first main surface to the second main surface. The thin barrier membrane comprises a thickness operable to maintain the weight distribution of a patient on the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support substantially the same compared to the weight distribution without the thin barrier membrane.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/815,089, filed Apr. 23, 2013, entitled “Methods,Systems, And Materials For Surface Disinfection”, the entire contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to generally to disinfection of medicalsupports, and more particularly to methods and disinfecting covers foruse in disinfecting resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupports.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Institutional infection control measures and the associated need forefficacious disinfection of patient contact surfaces in healthcaresettings has drawn increased attention from healthcare providers andregulatory bodies as the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAI)and resultant deaths has increased.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,236, issued to Haskin, discloses an anti-fomiticdevice in the form of a bag or envelope that forms a cover for an objectfor preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that mayreside on the object. The anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible bag orenvelope with a closure mechanism at one or both ends of the bag orenvelope, having a sterile interior that is sealed during manufacture tomaintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomiticdevice is required. The anti-fomitic device is inverted when used tocover the object and results in an ultimate outer surface that isinitially sterile. Materials for the coverings/bags serve as a barrierto the transmission of pathogens.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,939,149, issued to Haskin et al., discloses aheat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device incorporating anti-microbial metalwherein the device, in the form of a bag or tube, forms a cover for anobject, preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens thatmay reside on the object. Anti-microbial metal ions from the coverfurther reduce future cross-infection from the object by killingpathogens. The anti-microbial, heat-shrinkable, anti-fomitic device canhave a sterile interior that is sealed or stored flat during manufactureto maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomiticdevice is required. The anti-fomitic device can be inverted when used tocover the object to present an outer surface that is initially sterile.A plurality of such devices can be heat shrunk to an object such thatremoval of the outer layer will further prevent cross contamination.Heat shrink film materials for the coverings/bags serve as a barrier tothe transmission of pathogens and conform closely to the covered object.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0299163, by Haskin et al.,discloses an anti-fomitic device in the form of a bag or envelope formsa cover for an object for preventing cross-infection by bacteria andother pathogens that may reside on the object. The anti-fomitic deviceis a flat, flexible bag or envelope with a closure mechanism at one orboth ends of the bag or envelope, having a sterile interior that issealed during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outerwrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. The anti-fomiticdevice is inverted when used to cover the object and results in anultimate outer surface that is initially sterile. Materials for thecoverings/bags serve as a barrier to the transmission of pathogens.

Another approach includes integrating or coating anti-microbial agentsinto healthcare fabrics using traditional methodologies, for example,where a chemical compound or liquid is added to the coating medium (e.g.polyurethane or rubber).

Other approaches for attempting to control microbial pathogens onspecialized medical patient support surfaces employ an additional,removable and launderable fabric cover to the outside of the supportsurface.

There is a need for further methods and disinfecting covers for use indisinfecting resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supports.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method fordisinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support in which the resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support includes a lower surface, and aperipherally-extending side disposed between the weight bearing uppersurface and the lower surface. The method includes providing adisinfecting cover having a first main surface, an opposite second mainsurface, and a peripherally-extending edge, the disinfecting cover beingnon-fibrous and comprising an anti-microbial disinfectant, and drapingthe first main surface of the disinfecting cover over the weight bearingupper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport with portions of the first main surface, the opposite secondmain surface, and the peripherally-extending edge of the disinfectingcover extending away from the weight bearing upper surface. Portions ofthe first main surface, the opposite second main surface, and theperipherally-extending edge extending away from the weight bearing uppersurface is positioned below the weight bearing upper surface of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support and over aportion of the peripherally-extending side of the resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support with the peripherally-extendingedge of the planar disinfecting cover disposed above the lower surfaceof resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support. Thedisinfecting cover is releasably secured in position over the weightbearing upper surface and along the peripherally-extending side of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support. Thedisinfecting cover comprises a thickness operable to maintain the weightdistribution of a patient on the weight bearing upper surface of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support substantiallythe same compared to the weight distribution of the patient on theweight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support without the disinfecting cover.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a disinfecting coverfor use in disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support in which the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support includes the weightbearing upper surface, a bottom surface, and a peripherally-extendingside disposed and extending between the weight bearing upper surface andthe bottom surface. The disinfecting cover comprising a thin barriermembrane having a first main surface, an opposite second main surface,and a peripherally-extending and surrounding edge disposed between thefirst main surface and the opposite second main surface. The first mainsurface and the opposite second main surface of the thin barriermembrane operably sized and configured so that the first main surface isdrapable on top of the weight bearing upper surface of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support, and theperipherally-extending edge terminating between theperipherally-extending side of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support between the weight bearing upper surface and thebottom surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport. The thin barrier membrane comprises an anti-microbialdisinfectant, and is non-fibrous and impervious to the transfer of fluidfrom the first main surface to the second main surface. The thin barriermembrane comprises a thickness operable to maintain the weightdistribution of a patient on the weight-bearing surface of a resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support substantially the samecompared to the weight distribution of the patient on the weight-bearingsurface of a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportwithout the thin barrier membrane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the disclosure is particularly pointed out anddistinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Thedisclosure, however, may best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments and theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a disinfecting coverdisposed on a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of thedisinfecting cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the disinfecting cover taken alongline 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a dispensing apparatusin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure for use indisinfecting a plurality of resilient medical patient pressureredistribution supports;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a disinfectingcover in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a disinfecting cover in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the disinfecting cover taken alongline 10-10 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a disinfecting cover inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the disinfecting cover of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the disinfecting cover taken alongline 13-13 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a pressure mapping reading taken from aresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of one embodiment for a method for disinfecting aweight bearing upper surface of a resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to methods, systems, andmaterials for disinfection of specialized medical patient supportsurfaces such as in connection with devices that may be deliveredin-place during patient use or, alternatively, while the surfaces arenot in use by patients.

The methods, systems and materials may relate to the in-place,disinfection of specialized medical patient support surfaces through useof, in one embodiment, a uniform, non-liquid and non-fibrous, polymerbased planar media. The media may simultaneously offer the desirableattributes of providing resistance to blood-borne pathogen and viralpenetration, contact inhibition control of life-threatening bacterialand fungal organisms and de minimus influence on the engineeredtherapeutic benefits of controlled force per unit area exertedperpendicularly to the planar surface of such surfaces.

It has been discovered that a method for disinfecting the exteriorfabric cover of a specialized medical patient support surface deviceusing a substantially uniform, non-liquid and non-fibrous polymer basedmedia that is manufactured with anti-microbial technologies wherein thesubstantially uniform, non-liquid and non-fibrous polymer based mediawhen disposed atop a specialized medical patient support surfaceconcurrent with patient use of the surface or while surface is not inuse by patient may be efficacious in the killing of a number ofpathogens associated with causing healthcare-associated infections (HAI)and can do so without adversely affecting the interface pressuremanagement design and performance of the support surface.

Additionally, the present disclosure of using a substantially uniform,non-liquid and non-fibrous polymer based media to provide a method ofin-place disinfection that can also provide an added shielding layer ofpathogen and fluid impermeable protection to a specialized medicalpatient support device in the event that the designed integrity oforiginal cover material of the specialized medical patient supportdevice has become breached, penetrated or otherwise compromise throughuse, wherein the breach, penetration or compromise may or not be visibleor evident to the user, custodian or owner of such device.

Furthermore, the present disclosure of using a substantially uniform,non-liquid and non-fibrous polymer based media may also be able todeliver desirable, ancillary benefits through moisture vaportransmission control and resistance to the passage of blood, bodilyfluids or blood- or bodily fluid-borne pathogens as measured by testprotocols cited herein.

The substantially uniform, non-liquid and non-fibrous polymer basedmedia may be manufactured with anti-microbial technologies such as in anembodiment being non-absorbent and free of fibrous materials.

The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter and withreference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments of the disclosure. This disclosure may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Reference is now provided to the accompanying drawings which are notdrawn to scale and are intended to provide a non-limiting visualrepresentation of a method of disinfection for specialized medicalpatient surfaces that may be delivered in-place during patient use or,alternatively, while the surfaces are not in use by patients.

FIG. 1 illustrated a disinfecting media or cover 100 that may be readilyand easily placed on or draped onto a resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support 10 in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure. For example, disinfecting media or cover 100 may be operablefor use in disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface 20 (FIG. 2) ofresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support 10. As shownin FIG. 2, resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support 10may include weight bearing upper surface 20, a bottom surface 30, and aperipherally-extending side 40 disposed and extending between the weightbearing upper surface and the bottom surface. As described below, thedisinfecting media or cover may be releasably secured to the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support such at least portionsof the disinfecting media or cover are directly attached to theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support so that themovement of the disinfecting media or cover relative to the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support is inhibited.

In one embodiment, the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport may be generally a rectangular cuboid or prism, for example amattress, wherein the upper planar rectangular surface is the surfaceonto which a patient may lie. The upper planar rectangular surface mayalso be referred to as a “panel” and is intended in a one-sided supportsurface construction to be the side used by patients or persons sleepingor reposing on the support surface. The vertical sides or the sideborder may define a head or foot “border.” The opposing faces of sidesof the support may be typically of equal dimensions and shape.Typically, the opposing face to the upper surface is a bottom face orsurface of the mattress. For supports to be flappable, the upper andbottom surfaces are substantially similar.

Some more complex designs for specialized medical patient supportsurfaces may depart from the rectangular cuboid shape provided hereinand may add raised edges, depressions or other surface modifications forcertain therapeutic considerations. The present disclosure contemplatessuch design departures and is not intended to be limited by suchmodifications.

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, in one embodiment, disinfecting media orcover 100 may be a single thin barrier membrane 110 having a first mainsurface 120, an opposite second main surface 130, and aperipherally-extending and surrounding edge 140 disposed between themain surface 120 and the opposite second main surface 130. In someembodiments, thin barrier membrane 110 may be a single thin barriermembrane.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the first main surface 120 (FIG. 4) andthe opposite second main surface 130 of single thin barrier membrane 110may be operably sized and configured so that first main surface 120(FIG. 4) is drapable on top of weight bearing upper surface (FIG. 2) ofresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support 10 withperipherally-extending edge 140 terminating between theperipherally-extending side 40 of resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support 10 between weight bearing upper surface 20 (FIG.2) and bottom surface 30 of resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support 10.

In one embodiment, disinfecting media or cover 100 is installed on theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support so thatperipheral edge portions of the disinfecting media or cover extendsbelow the essentially right-angle transition point or edge definedbetween the upper planar rectangular surface of the resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support and the vertical sides orboarders.

It will be appreciated that disinfecting media or covers in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure may cover the entire weightbearing upper surface or less than the entire weight bearing uppersurface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport. For example, disinfecting media or covers may be sized toextend over a central portion of the upper surface of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support, e.g., the peripheraledge of the disinfecting media or cover disposed entirely away from theperipherally-extending sides of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support. In other aspects, disinfecting media or coversmay be sized to extend over a central portion of the upper surface ofthe resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support, e.g., theperipheral edge of the disinfecting media or cover extending from onevertical edge to an opposite vertical edge and spaced from the otheropposite vertical edges. Other sized and configured disinfecting mediaor covers that extend over the upper surface and only portions of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support may besuitably employed.

It will also be appreciated that disinfecting media or covers inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure may cover the entireupper vertical side portion surrounding the weight bearing upper surfaceof the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support, orless than the entire upper vertical side portion surrounding the weightbearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support. For example, disinfecting media or covers maycover an entire weight bearing upper surface and extend over only thelonger vertical side edges, e.g., not extend over the shorter verticalside or footer and head boarders. Other sized and configureddisinfecting media or covers that extend over the vertical side portionsof the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support may besuitably employed.

In some embodiment, disinfecting media or covers may extend over about50-percent of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport. For example, disinfecting media or covers may extend over theentire weight bearing upper surface and half of the vertical sides. Insome embodiment, disinfecting media or covers may extend over about40-percent of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport. For example, disinfecting media or covers may extend over onlythe entire weight bearing upper surface, or only a portion of the weightbearing upper surface and a portion of the vertical sides. In someembodiments, disinfecting media or covers may extend over between about50-percent and 60-percent of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support. In still other embodiments, disinfecting mediaor covers may extend over less than about 50-percent of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support.

As described in greater detail below, the thin barrier membrane maycomprise an anti-microbial disinfectant, the thin barrier membrane maybe non-fibrous and impervious to the transfer of fluid from the firstmain surface to the second main surface, and the thin barrier membranemay comprise a thickness operable to maintain the weight distribution ofa patient on the weight-bearing surface of a resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support substantially the same compared to theweight distribution of the patient on the weight-bearing surface of aresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support without thesingle thin barrier membrane.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a dispensingapparatus 200 comprising a disinfecting cover roll 300 and a rollsupport apparatus 400 in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure for use in disinfecting a plurality of resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution supports. Roll 300 and roll supportapparatus 400 may facilitate installation on a resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support. For example, the roll 300 and rollsupport apparatus 400 may be moved adjacent to a resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support, e.g., to the foot of a bed, anda length of disinfecting cover may be removed and draped over the weightbearing upper surface and then cut from the roll. The apparatus may beconstructed with wheels or casters 410 to promote mobility orportability, and a lateral support member 420 disposed at a heightsufficient to allow the apparatus to be moved with the roll positionedabove or at a higher location or point relative to the weight bearingupper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport. The roll may have nominal static cling properties and formed ina continuous sheet measuring about 100 linear yards, less than 100linear yards, or more than 100 linear yards.

In some embodiments, installation of the disinfecting cover may beperformed prior to the first use of a new resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support. For example, a resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support may be placed on a bed frame,and then dispensing apparatus 200 may be aligned so that the leadingedge would be affixed partially down the foot or head of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support. Then the apparatus maybe rolled above the length of the surface (preferably by only onecustodial or maintenance person in a healthcare environment). Thedistance between the spaced-apart supports 420 of dispensing apparatus200 being wider than the width, for example, of the bed. Thedisinfecting cover could be attached to the vertical sides or perimetersfor the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportmechanical attachment methods such as clips or hook and loop stylefastening systems. Alternatively the disinfecting cover may havestatic-cling type adhesive properties that secure the disinfecting coverto the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support.

With reference to FIG. 7, in other embodiments, a disinfecting cover 500may include an adhesive 570. The adhesive properties may be imparted tothe cover during the fabrication process. For example, disinfectingmedia or cover 500 may include use of a non-permanent adhesive to thatthe adhesive properties may reduce or limit the propensity of thedisinfecting cover shifting while in use under a patient or restingbody. Adhesives selected from those with non-permanent and non-frangibleproperties may be preferred as the break off of adhesive from the covermedia that might cause adhesive residue to remain on the support surfacefollowing removal of the media may not be desirable. In someembodiments, an adhesive may be disposed along the entire main surfaceof the cover. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8-10,a disinfecting cover 600 similar to disinfecting cover 200, may includeadhesive 670 disposed along the longitudinal edge portions so that theedges with adhesive may engage the vertical sides of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support. In other embodiment,for example, disinfecting cover 100 (FIGS. 3-5) may include adhesivedisposed along about 1 inch to 3 inches adjacent to theperipherally-extending edge along the four peripheral edges.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a disinfecting cover 700 such as in a die-cut,sheet form. Single sheets of the media could be installed on the surfaceby cleaning or maintenance staff if so desired. The sizes of specializedhealthcare support surface, while subject to some variance are typicallysimilar or fall into several size groupings. Die-cut sheets may beformed for the most common sizes as an alternative to a single rollwidth. The die-cuts could also be prepared for surface sizes that arenot compatible with the roll sizes produced. The corners of thedisinfecting cover may include cutouts 790 to allow the peripheral edgeto fold over the sides of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support without overlapping.

The present disclosure is directed to disinfecting covers and media foruse with resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support. Suchresilient medical patient pressure redistribution supports may includeas mattresses and wheelchair cushions, as well as specialized medicalsupport devices, including, but not limited to pillows, bolsters,positioners, and support wedges. Specialized medical support devices arefurther listed in the 21 CFR, Parts 862 through 892. The FDA has a listof medical devices that it maintains on its website—some of theclassification supported by the CFR sections listed in the followingexcerpt, “Most medical devices can be classified by finding the matchingdescription of the device in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations(CFR), Parts 862-892. FDA has classified and described over 1,700distinct types of devices and organized them in the CFR into 16 medicalspecialty “panels” such as Cardiovascular devices or Ear, Nose, andThroat devices. These panels are found in Parts 862 through 892 in theCFR. For each of the devices classified by the FDA the CFR gives ageneral description including the intended use, the class to which thedevice belongs (i.e., Class I, II, or III), and information aboutmarketing requirements. Your device should meet the definition in aclassification regulation contained in 21 CFR 862-892.”

In some embodiments, the disinfecting media or covers of the presentdisclosure may be formed individually from or in combinations from thefollowing materials such as polyurethane, poly-vinyl chloride,polyethylene, polypropylene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, latex,acrylic, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), polythene, orpolypropylene carbonate (PPC). The preceding list is not intended to belimiting and compositions that exhibit physical properties similar tothe foregoing identified materials but not listed herein may be suitableand are therefore contemplated by the present disclosure.

The disinfecting media or cover may be a film comprising the materialsdescribed above and manufactured with anti-microbial materials orantibacterial materials. For example, the material may include, but notlimited to, quaternary ammonium, triclosan, metal ions or metal salts,chitosan, cyclodextrin. Other antimicrobials may include ULTRA-FRESH®and SILPURE® antimicrobial products available from Thomson ResearchAssociates of Toronto, Canada. AEGIS MICROBE SHIELD®, available fromMicroban International, which includes silanes, an active ingredientthat forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer thatmolecularly bonds to the treated surface. Silanes are extremelyefficient bonding agents that can be coupled to other molecules and thenused to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. When amicroorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the C-18molecular punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocksthe cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, theantimicrobial doesn't lose strength and the molecule is ready for thenext cell to contact it. VINYZENE™, available from Dow Chemical, anantimicrobial solution of 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one ina nonvolatile plasticizer carrier, effective for use in vinyl,polyurethane and other polymeric compositions. Low levels of VINYZENE™antimicrobials will provide long term preservation against a broadspectrum of bacterial and fungal organisms and will help inhibit surfacegrowth, permanent staining, embrittlement and premature product failure.The various materials may be incorporated into the polymer or filmduring normal processing steps. The disinfecting antimicrobial materialmay be disposed generally throughout the cover, or reside adjacent toone or both main surfaces. Alternatively, the disinfecting cover ormedia may be a laminate comprising a plurality of different layers. Forexample, a film having one or more outer antimicrobial materialcoatings.

The thickness of the disinfecting media or cover may be about 0.5 mils,or about 12.5 μm. In other embodiments, the thickness of thedisinfecting media or cover may range from about 0.1 mils to about 3.0mils, about 0.1 mils to about 0.5 mils, from about 0.5 mils to about 1.0mil, from about 1.0 mil to about 2.0 mils, and about 2.0 mils to about3.0 mils. The thickness of the disinfecting media or cover may also beabout 0.1 mil, about 0.5 mils, about 1.0 mil, about 2.0 mils, or about3.0 mils. It will be appreciated that other thickness may be suitablyemployed. The disinfecting media or cover may be uniform or non-uniformin thickness.

In connection with the various embodiments, the term of use intended forthe disinfecting covers or media of the present disclosure may belimited to the duration of a single patient's use of the surface or aneven shorter period if the cleaning and maintenance guidelines for thehealthcare facility so dictate. The removal of the media from thesupport surface could be done by custodial, maintenance or evencare-providing staff. It is anticipated that formation of thedisinfecting cover or media may be done from materials that could besanitized and subsequently recycled for use again in the sameapplication. The material selection is also contemplated whereinmaterials could permit simultaneous sanitization and recycling.

In its typical use cycle, a weight support surface with the mediainstalled may be used by a patient. When it was determined that surfacewas ready to be cleaned, the bedding (sheets, pillow, mattress pads,draw sheets, etc.) would be removed and customary laundering would beperformed on these articles. Then the installed disinfecting cover ormedia may be visually inspected for signs of breach, damage or fluidstrike-through. The media would then be removed and discarded pursuantto the disposal protocols of the medical facility. The support surfacewould itself be visually examined for evidence of fluid strike through.If the visual examination indicated no strike-through to the textilesurface of the medical support surface then low-level cleaning could beperformed—for instance, wiping down with sanitized solutions and drying.If the visual examination did reveal strike-through potential, then moreaggressive cleaning measures could be applied to the medical supportsurface. It is the intention that the disinfecting cover or media andits protective nature may permit less frequent and less aggressivecleaning approaches to be taken on specialized medical support surfaces.By their nature the cleaning approaches needed in healthcareenvironments are destructive and damaging to the surfaces being cleanedas they need to attempt to kill the pathogens that are identified asposing risks to patients and causing HAI's, and therefore can reducedthe expected service lives of the articles being cleaned.

In some embodiments, a minimal differential in force per unit areaexerted perpendicularly to the planar surface of the medical patientsupport surface device may be seen with or without the disinfectingcover or media installed on the surface. For example, FIG. 14illustrates a pressure mapping reading taken from a support surface. Inhealthcare settings, the need to protect patients from skin breakdownand decubitus ulcer (bedsore) formation may be a desired clinicalobjective. The design and manufacture of specialized medical supportsurfaces places a high level of importance on the pressure-relievingcharacteristics of such surfaces. A visual representation of thesedesign elements as provided by a pressure map can be a helpful tool tocare providers.

In aspect of the present disclosure, disinfecting covers or media andmethods for disinfecting a specialized, medical patient support surfacedevice is designed for pressure redistribution is provided. In someembodiments, a method may include installing a substantially uniform,non-liquid and non-fibrous polymer based media so as to cover at leastone planar surface of said device and allows for immediate,post-installation patient use, while simultaneously providing resistanceto blood-borne pathogen and viral penetration and greater than 99%contact inhibition to at least one of the following:

-   -   Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA);    -   Aspergillus Niger;    -   Staphylococcus aureus;    -   Clostridium difficile (C. Diff); and    -   Escherichia coli (E. coli);        and may also not increase the force per unit area exerted        perpendicularly to the planar surface of the medical patient        surface device.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 800 for disinfecting a weight bearing uppersurface of a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportin which the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportincludes a lower surface, and a peripherally-extending side disposedbetween the weight bearing upper surface and the lower surface. Themethod includes at 810, providing a disinfecting cover having a firstmain surface, an opposite second main surface, and aperipherally-extending edge, the disinfecting cover being non-fibrousand comprising an anti-microbial disinfectant, and at 820, draping thefirst main surface of the disinfecting cover over the weight bearingupper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport with portions of the first main surface, the opposite secondmain surface, and the peripherally-extending edge of the disinfectingcover extending away from the weight bearing upper surface. At 830,portions of the first main surface, the opposite second main surface,and the peripherally-extending edge extending away from the weightbearing upper surface is positioned below the weight bearing uppersurface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportand over a portion of the peripherally-extending side of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support with theperipherally-extending edge of the planar disinfecting cover disposedabove the lower surface of resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support. At 840, the disinfecting cover is releasablysecured in position over the weight bearing upper surface and along theperipherally-extending side of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support. The disinfecting cover may comprises a thicknessoperable to maintain the weight distribution of a patient on the weightbearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support substantially the same compared to the weightdistribution of the patient on the weight bearing upper surface of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support without thedisinfecting cover.

In some embodiments, the disinfecting cover may be about 37 inches toabout 42 inches wide, and about 82 to about 87 inches long, for examplefor use on a bed mattress having dimensions of about 35 inches wide byabout 80 inches long by about 6 inches deep. In other embodiments, thedisinfecting cover may be about 22 inches or about 26 inches wide toabout 22 inches or about 26 inches long, for example for use on a seathaving dimensions of about 18 inches to about 22 inches wide by about 18inches to about 22 long by about 4 inches deep. The peripheral edgeportion may extend about 1 inch to about 3 inches over the sides of thesupports, and desirably about 2 inches over the sides of the supports.In other embodiment, the disinfecting comer may be disposable.

Exemplary Embodiment

Development of a disinfecting cover or media may be described asfollows. A standard, specialized medical patient support surface may beselected, for example, the size of the selected support surface maymeasures 35 inches wide by 80 inches long by 6 inches deep.

The disinfecting cover or media may be selected from a polyurethanebased film that is manufactured with anti-microbial chemistries andnominal static cling properties is formed in a continuous sheetmeasuring about 100 linear yards. Alternative compositions for the mediamay be selected individually or from combinations of the following:polyurethane, poly-vinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, naturalrubber, synthetic rubber, latex, acrylic, polyester, polyvinylidenechloride (PVdC), polythene, or polypropylene carbonate (PPC). Thepreceding list is not intended to be limiting and compositions thatexhibit physical properties similar to the foregoing identifiedmaterials but not listed herein may be suitable and are thereforecontemplated by the present disclosure.

The roll of film described herein may be installed on a dispensingapparatus that facilitates the placement of film from the head or footend of the specialized medical patient support surface.

After removal of bed clothes and previously installed protective media,the surface is inspected and optionally cleaned to the degree deemedappropriate by the custodial, maintenance, or care-giving staff, thenthe media installation commences from one end of the surface and thedispensing apparatus is moved to a position at the opposite end of thesurface thereby dispensing the media across the length of the upperplanar face of the support surface. The media is smoothed across thespecialized medical support surface and cut off from the roll whensufficient quantity of material has been dispensed. Excess media issmoothed down the sides at all four sides of the support surface andthen the bedding (e.g. mattress pads, sheets, draw sheets, pillows andblankets) are reinstalled on the surface, thereby making it ready foruse by the next patient.

The installed media is intended to deliver in-place disinfection to thesurfaces of the specialized medical support surface to which thedisinfecting cover or media is in contact during its period ofinstallation. The following table lists certain organisms that preferredembodiments of the present disclosure may be operable or engineered tokill or reduce while in use and selected test methods customarily usedto assess the efficacy of performance against such organisms.

TABLE 1 Organism Organism Result Type Organism Test Method LoadRequired* Bacteria Methicillin Resistant ISO ATCC Contact Staphylococcus22196:2007 #33591 Inhibition aureus (MRSA) >99% or % Survival <0.1% orBacteria Methicillin Resistant AATCC ATCC Contact Staphylococcus Method147- #33591 Inhibition aureus (MRSA) 2004 >99% or % Survival <0.1%Fungus Aspergillus niger AATCC ATCC Contact Method 30- #6275 Inhibition1988 >99% or % Survival <0.1% Bacteria Staphylococcus AATCC Not Contactaureus Method 147- provided Inhibition 1988 >99% or % Survival <0.1%Bacteria Clostridium difficile AATCC Not Contact (C. Diff Method 147-provided Inhibition 1988 >99% or % Survival <0.1% Bacteria Escherichiacoli AATCC ATCC Contact Method 147- #8739 Inhibition 2004 >99% or %Survival <0.1% *Result reporting approach is determined by test methodused.

Additionally, the cytotoxicity and skin irritation profile of the coveror media may require evaluation in certain circumstances as part of thedetermination for their fitness for use and therefore evaluated todemonstrate that it may not have potentially adverse consequences forpatients in the event of direct skin to media contact in the useenvironment. Customary evaluations for this parameter include:

-   -   ISO 10993-5: Biological Examination of Medical Devices Part 5:        Tests for Cytotoxicity, In Vitro Methods, or    -   ISO 10993-10: Biological Examination of Medical Devices Part 10:        Tests for Irritation and Sensitization.

The test methods identified herein for assessment of the performanceattributes of substantially uniform, non-liquid and non-fibrous polymerbased cover or media of the present disclosure relative toanti-microbial protection, moisture vapor transmission and blood-borneand viral transmission are intended to be exemplary and not limiting tothe scope of this disclosure. All cited test methods are herebyincorporated in their entirety by reference.

In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported data for 2002,which estimated the number of HAIs in U.S. hospitals, adjusted toinclude federal facilities, was approximately 1.7 million: 33,269 HAIsamong newborns in high-risk nurseries, 19,059 among newborns inwell-baby nurseries, 417,946 among adults and children in ICUs, and1,266,851 among adults and children outside of ICUs. The estimateddeaths associated with HAIs in U.S. hospitals were 98,987: of these,35,967 were for pneumonia, 30,665 for bloodstream infections, 13,088 forurinary tract infections, 8,205 for surgical site infections, and 11,062for infections of other sites.

In guiding healthcare professionals regarding disinfection practices forspecialized medical patient support surfaces, the CDC has offered thefollowing: “Standard mattresses and pillows can become contaminated withbody substances during patient care if the integrity of the covers ofthese items is compromised. The practice of sticking needles into themattress should be avoided. A mattress cover is generally a fitted,protective material, the purpose of which is to prevent the mattressfrom becoming contaminated with body fluids and substances. A linensheet placed on the mattress is not considered a mattress cover. Patchesfor tears and holes in mattress covers do not provide an impermeablesurface over the mattress. Mattress covers should be replaced when torn;the mattress should be replaced if it is visibly stained. Wetmattresses, in particular, can be a substantial environmental source ofmicroorganisms. Infections and colonizations caused by Acinetobacterspp., MRSA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been described, especiallyamong burn patients. In these reports, the removal of wet mattresses wasan effective infection-control measure. Efforts were made to ensure thatpads and covers were cleaned and disinfected between patients usingdisinfectant products compatible with mattress-cover materials to ensurethat these covers remained impermeable to fluids. Pillows and theircovers should be easily cleanable, preferably in a hot water laundrycycle. These should be laundered between patients or if contaminatedwith body substances.

Specialized patient support surfaces or hospital mattresses have beenidentified as a leading contact point for patients during stays inhealthcare facilities. There is evidence that cleaning and disinfectingprocedures for such surfaces are frequently ineffective and that wheneffectively practiced can result in damage and shortened service lifefor the surfaces. Additionally, the labor (man-hour) intensity, naturalresource consumption (water) and chemical usage are factors that placeburdens on healthcare facilities to successfully deploy effectivecleaning and disinfection protocols.

In addition to the labor burdens and material costs associated witheffective, and often aggressive, cleaning and disinfection protocols,excess water usage and use of toxic cleaning agents, many of which maybe chlorine-based, may have deleterious and therefore undesirableenvironmental consequences.

The traditional design approach for specialized patient support surfaceshas been to use a resilient filling material, such as polyurethane foam,to build a mattress core. A fluid-proof outer cover has then beeninstalled over the core.

Designs of fluid-proof outer covers historically incorporated poly-vinylchloride (PVC) based coatings. PVC was once desirable for use as itpermitted very low levels of moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR—asmeasured transmission of water vapor through the cover on a grams permeter² basis by test protocol ASTM E96/BW) through the outer fabriccover. The MVTR was seen as indicative of or a proxy for the amount ofpotential pathogen laden vapor that could migrate from the patient tothe inner core of the surface; therefore cover materials with no or verylow measured levels of moisture vapor transmission were deemeddesirable. Unfortunately, PVC coatings exhibited a propensity to crackduring their service life. This cracking, typically caused byplasticizer migration, resulted in breaches to the fluid-proofproperties and a resultant potential for “strike-through” of fluids andother contaminants and pathogens to the interior core structure.Therefore in ordinary use, the PVC might preclude transmissive pathogenpassage to the interior of the surface, but once cracking occurred theinherent protection was immediately and irreversibly compromised.

Improved design approaches for specialized patient support surfaceshave, in many cases, replaced PVC content with polyurethane basedcoatings and films or rubber based coatings and films. In manyhealthcare settings, medical professionals tasked with managing theinfection control protocols for their facilities can exercisesignificant control over the decision making for material purchases fortheir facilities. In the case of specialized patient support surfaces,these individuals have, for instance, identified certain fabrics withrubber based coatings as preferred for use since the rubber materialsimparts rates of moisture vapor transmission comparable to those seen inPVC materials. A customary measure of moisture vapor transmissionthrough a textile or medical use fabric is ASTM E96/BW that isincorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

An additionally desirable attribute related to high performance medicalfabrics is the ability of the material to withstand penetration ofblood, bodily fluids, viral materials or blood- or bodily fluid-bornepathogens. The ability of the textile material to perform as desired inthis regard is customarily evaluated through testing to protocols suchas ASTM F1670, ASTM F1671, ISO 16603:2004 or ISO 16604:2004 and theprovisions and requirements of the these tests are also incorporated intheir entirety herein by reference.

The emergence of requirements that mattresses in high-risk occupanciessuch as hospitals meet full-scale, open flame resistant testing such asCalifornia Technical Bulletin #129, 16 CFR 1633 or Boston FireDepartment IX-11 has added the placement of fire barrier materials thatare disposed between the core and cover, as well as the use of chemicalflame retardant additives to the core materials and cover fabrics.

Industry's recognition of the limitations on facility based cleaning anddisinfecting has in large part contributed to the increased use of andreliance on anti-microbial and anti-fungal agents and compounds in theproduction of the outermost fabrics or tickings used in the constructionof specialized patient support surfaces. The efficacy of suchanti-microbial treatments is customarily demonstrated by results of killrates or zones of inhibition measured by test protocols such as ISO22196, AATCC Method 147, or AATCC Method 30. These test protocols areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Alternative testprotocols not identified herein that seek to assess the efficacy of suchtreatments are contemplated and their use would not be considered adeparture from the present disclosure.

Not only have anti-microbial agents been integrated into healthcarefabrics using traditional methodologies where a chemical compound orliquid is added to the coating medium (e.g. polyurethane or rubber),there has been an increasing use of nano-particle-based anti-microbialtechnologies. There is meaningful debate still occurring regarding notonly the efficacy but the safety of these approaches, which arealternatively referred to or marketed as “metal ion” based or “solubleglass carrier” based. Concerns have been voiced that the introduction ofmetal ion based nano-particle based anti-microbial technologies have apotentially adverse effect on aquatic life populations as thenano-materials may wash off of textiles treated with these materialsduring laundering and enter aquatic eco-systems where their persistentbiocidal capacities continue unabated.

Some approaches to deal with controlling microbial pathogens onspecialized medical patient support surfaces have sought to add anadditional, removable and launderable cover to the outside of thesupport surface. These are complex and labor intensive to install. Theyare expensive to manufacture and the reusable, launderable nature ofsuch covers requires resource consumption in terms of water and energy,not to mention usage of detergents. Furthermore, when these expensivesolutions suffer mechanical penetration or breaching of their ownoutermost fabric layers, they too are no longer capable of fullyperforming as originally intended.

Regardless of the specific approach to anti-microbial used in the outerfabrics of specialized patient support surfaces, there are criticalissues related to long-term durability and speed of effect that havemeaningful bearing on the ability for these to work effectively asintended. Certain agents (and this is substantiated by testing thatreveals a “zone of inhibition” or “halo-effect” for its kill radius)perform be leaching away from the point of initial treatment.

In addition to the surface growth of microbial organisms and pathogens,healthcare providers and occupancies must be alert for breaches in theoutermost fabric covers caused by physical/mechanical damage resultingfrom the actions of medical professionals and patients. The stabbing ofhypodermic needles (“sharps”) into mattresses can in the course of careof patients breach the outer cover. Other avenues for damage to theintended fluid-impermeable design of the support surface can include,but are by no means limited to, the dragging of equipment across thesurface cover fabric, dragging or sliding of patients across theuppermost, planar surface of the article, vigorous and abrasive cleaningtechniques, the use of damaging cleaning agents and failure to fullyremove residual chemistries post-cleaning, and improperly using cleaningagents not intended for textiles and others materials used tomanufacture specialized medical patient support surfaces.

The clinical requirements for specialized medical patient supportdevices necessitate that manufacturers of such devices select textilesand filling materials so as to permit the design and construction ofsuch devices in a manner that will support the medical clinicians needto satisfactorily address the challenges of impaired skin integrity anddo so by redistributing or reducing interface pressures of the patientbody areas in contact with the support surface.

Customarily the design of specialized medical patient support devices isevaluated with regards to interface pressures using the visualrepresentations of pressure mapping.

A pressure map is a computerized clinical tool for assessing pressuredistribution. To use it, you place a thin, sensor mat on a wheelchairseat or a mattress surface. A patient sits or lies on the mat, acomputer screen displays a map of pressures, using colors, numbers, anda graphic image of the patient. Typically, the hotter colors (the reds)indicate areas of higher pressures, and the cooler colors (the blues)indicate areas of lower pressures. The display usually has severaloptions, including a three-dimensional display of peak pressure areasand a statistical analysis.

Pressure mapping does have some drawbacks, including inconsistencies inthe ways manufacturers report and display the pressures, differences inmeasurable peak pressures among manufacturers, and sensor accuracy anddrift. Still, these visual displays provide key data that can augmentnursing assessment of the areas of potential tissue damage and thereforetake prophylactic measures in the direction of preventing decubitusulcer formation.

There is a key nexus between infection control and interface pressurecontrol. The formation of decubitus ulcers or “bed sores” is more likelyto strike patients facing profound ambulatory and mobility challenges.These patients at are therefore more susceptible to and at higher riskof contracting HAI's. The measures needed to control infections musttherefore be not only efficacious in terms of controlling anderadicating microbial and pathogen growth in the medical environment;the measures must also not cause a measureable or significant alterationto the control of patient interface originally engineered intospecialized medical patient support surfaces.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments and/or aspects thereof may be used in combination with eachother. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the various embodimentswithout departing from their scope.

While the dimensions and types of materials described herein areintended to define the parameters of the various embodiments, they areby no means limiting and are merely exemplary. Many other embodimentswill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the various embodiments should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, thelimitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects oradvantages described above may be achieved in accordance with anyparticular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the systems and techniques described herein may beembodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection withonly a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understoodthat the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments.Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number ofvariations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements notheretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit andscope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of thedisclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects ofthe disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by theforegoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appendedclaims.

This written description uses examples, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

1. The method for disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of aresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support, the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support further comprising alower surface, and a peripherally-extending side disposed between theweight bearing upper surface and the lower surface, the methodcomprising: providing a disinfecting cover having a first main surface,an opposite second main surface, and a peripherally-extending edge, thedisinfecting cover being non-fibrous and comprising an anti-microbialdisinfectant; draping the first main surface of the disinfecting coverover the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support with portions of the first main surface,the opposite second main surface, and the peripherally-extending edge ofthe disinfecting cover extending away from the weight bearing uppersurface; positioning the portions of the first main surface, theopposite second main surface, and the peripherally-extending edgeextending away from the weight bearing upper surface below the weightbearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support and over a portion of the peripherally-extendingside of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportwith the peripherally-extending edge of the planar disinfecting coverdisposed above the lower surface of resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support; releasably securing the disinfecting cover inposition over the weight bearing upper surface and along theperipherally-extending side of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support; and wherein the disinfecting cover comprises athickness operable to maintain the weight distribution of a patient onthe weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support substantially the same compared to theweight distribution of the patient on the weight bearing upper surfaceof the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support withoutthe disinfecting cover.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the providingthe disinfecting cover comprises providing the disinfecting cover sizedto not cover the lower surface of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the providingthe disinfecting cover comprises providing the disinfecting cover sizedto extend over only between about 40 percent and about 60 percent of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support.
 4. The methodof claim 1 wherein the providing the disinfecting cover comprisesproviding the disinfecting cover sized to extend over only about 50percent of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the draping comprises drapingthe first main surface of the disinfecting cover over the weight bearingupper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport without moving the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the drapingcomprises draping the first main surface of the disinfecting cover overthe entire weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinproviding the disinfecting cover comprises providing the disinfectingcover having a generally rectangular configuration.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein providing the disinfecting cover comprises providing thedisinfecting cover having a generally rectangular configuration withcutouts disposed at the corners.
 9. The method of claim 1 whereinproviding the disinfecting cover comprises providing an adhesivedisposed on at least a portion of the a first main surface of thedisinfecting cover, and the releasably securing comprises releasablysecuring the disinfecting cover in position with the adhesive disposedon at least a portion of the first main surface.
 10. The method of claim1 wherein providing the disinfecting cover comprises providing thedisinfecting cover having static cling properties, and wherein thereleasably securing comprises releasably securing the disinfecting coverin position with static electricity.
 11. The method of claim 1 whereinthe releasably securing comprises releasably securing the disinfectingcover in position with at least one of a clip and a hook-and-loopfastening system disposed away from the weight bearing upper surface ofthe resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support.
 12. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the providing the disinfecting cover furthercomprises providing the disinfecting cover disposed on a roll, andremoving the disinfecting cover from the roll.
 13. The method of claim 1wherein the providing the disinfecting cover comprises providing a rollof the disinfecting cover, and cutting the disinfecting cover from theroll.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing the disinfectingcover comprises providing a dispensing apparatus comprising a roll ofthe disinfecting cover and movable supports, and the draping thedisinfecting cover comprises passing the roll over and the movablesupports around the weight resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support.
 15. The method of claim 1 further comprisingdraping one or more fabric layers over the releasably secureddisinfecting cover.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the disinfectingcover comprises at least one of the following: polyurethane, poly-vinylchloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber,latex, acrylic, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polythene,polypropylene carbonate, or combinations thereof.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the disinfecting cover comprises a moisturevapor transmission rate of less than 500 grams per meter² per 24 hourperiod.
 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the anti-microbialdisinfectant comprises at least one of quaternary ammonium, triclosan,metal ions, metal salts, chitosan, cyclodextrin.
 19. The method of claim1 further comprising removing a patient supported on the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support, inspecting theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support, and after thereleasably securing the disinfecting cover to the medical patientpressure redistribution support, supporting the patient on the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support.
 20. The method of claim1 further comprising removing a patient supported on the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support, removing an earlierreleasably secured disinfecting cover from the resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support, and after the releasably securing thedisinfecting cover to the medical patient pressure redistributionsupport, supporting the patient on the medical patient pressureredistribution support.
 21. The method of claim 1 wherein the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support comprises a mattress.22. The method of claim 1 wherein the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support comprises a wheelchair cushion.
 23. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport comprises a stretcher or gurney pad.
 24. The method of claim 1wherein the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportcomprise an operating room pad.
 25. A disinfecting cover for use indisinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support, the resilient medical patientpressure redistribution support having the weight bearing upper surface,a bottom surface, and a peripherally-extending side disposed andextending between the weight bearing upper surface and the bottomsurface, said disinfecting cover comprising: a thin barrier membranehaving a first main surface an opposite second main surface, and aperipherally-extending and surrounding edge disposed between said firstmain surface and said opposite second main surface, said first mainsurface and said opposite second main surface said thin barrier membraneoperably sized and configured so that said first main surface isdrapable on top of the weight bearing upper surface of the resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support, and saidperipherally-extending edge terminating between theperipherally-extending side of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support between the weight bearing upper surface and thebottom surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport; said thin barrier membrane comprising an anti-microbialdisinfectant; said thin barrier membrane being non-fibrous andimpervious to the transfer of fluid from said first main surface to saidsecond main surface; and said thin barrier membrane comprising athickness operable to maintain a weight distribution of a patient on theweight-bearing surface of a resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support substantially the same compared to the weightdistribution of the patient on the weight-bearing surface of theresilient medical patient pressure redistribution support without saidthin barrier membrane.
 26. The disinfecting cover of claim 25 furthercomprising an adhesive material attached to at least a portion of saidfirst main surface for securing said thin barrier membrane to theweight-bearing surface of the resilient medical patient pressureredistribution support.
 27. The disinfecting cover of claim 25 furthercomprising an adhesive material attached only to peripheral edgeportions of said thin barrier membrane to attach said peripheral edgeportions of said thin barrier membrane to the peripheral side edgesurfaces of the resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport.
 28. The disinfecting cover of claim 25 wherein said thinbarrier membrane comprise a single thin planar barrier membrane.
 29. Thedisinfecting cover of claim 25 wherein said thin barrier membranecomprises a polymer material.
 30. The disinfecting cover of claim 25wherein said thin barrier membrane comprises a moisture vaportransmission rate of less than 500 grams per meter² per 24 hour period.31. The disinfecting cover of claim 25 wherein said anti-microbialdisinfectant comprises at least one of quaternary ammonium, triclosan,metal ions, metal salts, chitosan, cyclodextrin.
 32. The disinfectingcover of claim 25 wherein said thin barrier membrane comprises agenerally rectangular configuration with cutouts disposed at the cornersso that said disinfecting cover is positionable over the weight-bearingsurface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution supportwith said cutouts permitting edges of said thin barrier membrane toextend over the peripheral side edge surfaces of the resilient medicalpatient pressure redistribution support.
 33. The disinfecting cover ofclaim 25 further comprising said thin barrier membrane disposed on aroll prior to use.
 34. The disinfecting cover of claim 25 furthercomprising said thin barrier membrane disposed on a roll prior to use,and a dispensing apparatus for supporting the roll and having movablesupports operable for passing the roll over and the movable supportsaround the weight resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport.
 35. A resilient medical patient pressure redistributionsupport, comprising: a weight-bearing surface; and a disinfecting coverof claim 25 disposed over said weight-bearing surface.
 36. The resilientmedical patient pressure redistribution support of claim 35 wherein saidsupport comprises at least one of a mattress and a seat pad.